Sorry for the delay in announcing the contest winners, but I was lacking prizes. Somehow, it’s just less interesting to find out that you’ve won a contest when what precisely you’ve won is vague.

But I’ve been out and about and now have some goodies for some folks selected randomly from amongst the commenters.

First, I wrote down everyone’s name and put them in my Gromit mug.

Then, I assembled the prizes. It didn’t occur to me until afterwards that they were color-coordinated.

Finally, I drew names and assigned prizes in the order I’d written them down on the blog.

Winner #1:

Karen in Toledo has won some warm-weather sock yarn that I ogled last week at my local yarn store, as well as some sock-themed needle point protectors.

The yarn is Panda Cotton, made of 24% cotton, 21% elastic nylon, and 55% bamboo, in the lovely spring shade of Fern. I’ve never knit with it, so I’ll be eager to hear your report.

Winner #2:

Sarah has won a collection of notecards titled, “The Reading Woman,” for jotting notes to the favorite characters. She also wins a fun Koosh-ball themed measuring tape.

Winner #3:

Stephanie has won this cool mousepad and notepad set so she can write down book recommendations and yarn orders from the blogosphere without fear of wondering where that piece of paper slipped off to. (Stephanie owns the wonderful Spritely Goods, from whom I recently bought some lovely nature- and literary-inspired sock yarn) She also wins a copy of Keane’s Hopes and Dreams, a fantastic band that’s part of the second wave of Britpop.

Bonus Winner:

Jenn submitted the 700th comment to the blog, so in honor of the occasion, she needed a prize, too. So knowing she just dropped a large wad of cash buying books that you suggested, I give her a $10 Book Sense gift certificate.

Congratulations to all four of our winners, and many thanks to all 23 of you who sent me book and author recommendations. I guarantee I will not be at a loss for reading material any time in the near future!

Remember, you can always see larger versions of my photos by clicking on them.